Lars Boom of Holland has won the 168-kilometre 15th stage of the Tour of Spain
in Córdoba while Alejandro Valverde of Spain retained the overall lead.

The 23 year-old Radobank rider completed the 168km ride between Jaen and Córdoba in 4 hours 12 minutes 56 seconds after breaking away from the rest of the peloton on the second of two ascents of the category two San Jeronimo.

Boom, the 2009 Tour of Belgium winner, crossed the finish line 1min and 36secs ahead of his nearest rival, David Herrero, the Spaniard.

Boom, who finished 25mins ahead of the race leader, said: "This is something special and important because it is a major Tour."

Valverde, of Caisse d'Epargne, retained the golden jersey as overall leader in the general classification, said: "It was a relatively tranquil stage".